Maximum Light Bulbs on a 110V Circuit with 20A Limit?

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SUMMARY

The maximum number of 60.0 W light bulbs that can be connected to a 110V household circuit with a 20A limit is 36. This is calculated using the formula I = P/V, where each bulb draws approximately 0.545454A. Dividing the maximum current (20A) by the current per bulb results in 36.66666666, which rounds down to 36 bulbs. However, it is important to note that light bulbs may draw more power at startup, potentially tripping the circuit breaker if all are turned on simultaneously.

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  • Understanding of electrical power calculations (P = VI)
  • Basic knowledge of household electrical circuits
  • Familiarity with current (A) and voltage (V) concepts
  • Awareness of circuit breaker limitations
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Homework Statement


What is the maximum number of 60.0 W light bulbs that can be put in a household circuit (V= 110V) without tripping the circuit breaker if the maximum current through the circuit is 20.0 A?


Homework Equations



P= Vi



The Attempt at a Solution



P= VI => I=P/V for each light bulb's current...I= 60/110v = 0.545454A for 1 light bulb.

Max 20.0A so 20/0.545454 = 36.66666666 => 36 light bulbs you can put max.

Please check see if i got it right.
 
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Jabababa said:

Homework Statement


What is the maximum number of 60.0 W light bulbs that can be put in a household circuit (V= 110V) without tripping the circuit breaker if the maximum current through the circuit is 20.0 A?


Homework Equations



P= Vi



The Attempt at a Solution



P= VI => I=P/V for each light bulb's current...I= 60/110v = 0.545454A for 1 light bulb.

Max 20.0A so 20/0.545454 = 36.66666666 => 36 light bulbs you can put max.

Please check see if i got it right.

The logic is good. In practice you may be in trouble since a 60 W light globe briefly operates at more than 60W when it is first turned on, so if you switched them all on at once the fuse may trip.
 
ahh thank you. This is for an assignment so we are not actually going to do that in real life. Just wondering if my calculations are right!
 

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